Have you ever been scared by a passage you read in the Bible? I would dare to say most of Revelation is scary, as are God’s pronouncements of judgment. Our little grandson heard the story of baby Moses being put in a basket and placed in the river. After more thought, he became scared that his sister would float him down the river, too. Poor little guy put himself in Moses’ place as the story unfolded. Do we adults ever put ourselves in a Bible story? Could we imagine ourselves in a lion’s den, or leaving the safety of our home for an unknown destination, or being outnumbered in battle? What about being stoned to death, facing demons, or going to prison? The Bible shares many scary stories!Â
When the Word of God seems scary or uncomfortable to us, it could be a truth hitting close to home. We might see ourselves in Peter’s doubt as he steps out onto the water to meet Jesus. We may identify with Moses’ parents, reluctantly letting their child go. A fiery furnace of cancer or pain or depression may confine us. Then, looking closely, we see Jesus catch Peter, Moses become a great leader for God, and the Lord’s angel control the heat in the furnace. God is so eager to draw us close through His Word. He always reminds us, “I am with you.” The Psalmist says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” We, too, can ask God to open our eyes. There’s deep meaning in the scary stories and every single Word from God. We don’t want to miss a wonderful thing.
~ Tracy